Search - King Pleasure :: Moody's Mood for Love

"That old black tragic called the blues"

Erik Hansen | Oakland, CA USA | 06/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"King Pleasure is a much lesser known than his old rival Eddie Jefferson, and the debate continues today over who actually wrote the famous lyrics to "I'm in the Mood for Love" (aka "Moody's Mood" aka the "there I go there I go there I go" song), although EJ's version is the one that was hugely popular in the 50s and featured on a Gap ad back in the early 90s.This album includes two versions of that song, as well as a vocalese rendition of "That Old Black Magic" called "Diaper Pin" which contains the clever wordplay used in the title of this review. This is simply a must-have for any fan of vocal jazz.One note on the Freestyle Fellowship reference below:
I think the reviewer has a valid point. Vocalese is produced by taking popular instrumental jazz solos and using them as melodies for new lyrics, while Freestyle Fellowship was one of the first hip-hop groups to incorporate improvised melodies into their rap lyrics, some of which are improvised (freestyle) themselves. So I think that was a wonderful connection to make."

THIS GUY IS NUTS!!!

Sussex Pond Pudding | 09/03/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this guy! He's a bi-polar psycho singing love songs. C'mon, his name is "king Pleasure." That name is like a Bat Man super villan.Plus Pleasure flexes maniacal skills. Pleasure easily kicks mel tormes ass, as far as melodic and rythmic vocal gymnastics go.Hip hoppers looking to pick up some science should seriously peep this. I hear Freestyle Fellowship when I hear this. Mad Mad Mad Science!By the way, this CD is like a King Pleasure "Best Of" and is a great place to start."

BUY THIS NOW

Sussex Pond Pudding | Somewhere in the desert, CA | 06/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wouldn't call this guy a psycho, nor do I think of Freestyle Fellowship when I hear him (see other review), but I do agree that he is one of the jazz world's most underrated singers. This album contains many classics, but my personal favorite will always be "Don't Get Scared", a great duo with Jon Hendricks. He does not possess a great voice, though it IS good, but does have an extraordinary ability to swing. A classic."